After four years of waiting with 'meaningless' results, the sixth Rugby World Cup is upon us.  Savour the excitement, as within less than two months we will crown a new world champion, and despite New Zealand being firm favourites, there are certainly other teams in the mix for the title.

The opening game between hosts France and Argentina has the hallmarks of a classic. The French, second favourites and twice beaten finalists, have a very strong team and an impeccable recent record.

Argentina are the big improvers of recent times.  Only five nations sit above them on the IRB rankings and in 2005 they held the British Lions to a draw.  They have had recent home whitewash series wins against both the Irish and Welsh and last year they took the scalp of  world champions England at home and narrowly lost to the All Blacks. 

'France are far more attack-minded and if the game is open or loose, they will carve up the Pumas'


Most remarkable is their record against France. Les Bleus' one-point victory over the Pumas in Paris last year was their first win against the South Americans since 1999.

This game holds two contrasting styles.  Argentina are traditionally grinders.  They will take every kick at goal and will not want the game played at pace. Off the ruck, scrum-half Augustin Pichot will direct his lumbering pack directly into the teeth of the French defence.  Argentina are probably a better all-round tactical kicking team than the French, and will try to keep them pinned in their end.

France, however, are far more attack-minded and if the game is open or loose, they will carve up the Pumas.  The powerful French pack will not be dominated by Argentina in the scrum - the hosts will hold an advantage with the athleticism of the loose forwards.  The size and power of the French back division will probably be the deciding factor, but they must receive quality ball which the Pumas' eight cannnot provide easily.

Why the French will win: With home advantage in the first game of the tournament, Les Bleus will look to make a statement early. They will not hold many aces to their chests. They will not get caught in a war of attrition, and look for the running style to open up the game.  They cannot afford lose or the Irish will smell blood and the French could face the humiliating possibility of exiting before the quarters.  Look for French dominance in the loose and the ruck area.

Why the Argentinians will win: Pichot at his fourth World Cup will know that if his team can beat the French here, that they will be a threat in the tournament.  They will not want to play open rugby and get caught up in a game of sevens with the faster French team.  Look for immense pressure to be imposed in the tight, hardly any running with the ball, and keeping play in the French half.  Every kickable penalty will be taken.

Players to watch, Felipe Contemponi will be crucial to the Pumas' success.  His educated boot will be the difference between the teams.  His link with Pichot will be crucial, and he will be the last link in what will be most likely ten-man rugby.  The Biarritz bomber Serge Betsen had an outstanding game against Wales and he will probably start. Look for quick turnover ball in defence, and quicker recycling on attack.  If the French loose forwards gain parity in the ruck, the game will be won.

Recent Results

25 Nov 2006 France 27 - 26 Argentina
20 Nov 2004 France 14 - 24 Argentina
20 Jun 2003 Argentina 33 - 32 France
14 Jun 2003 Argentina 10 - 6 France
15 Jun 2002 Argentina 28 - 27 France
24 Oct 1999 Argentina 26 - 47 France

Prediction: Argentina to grind the hosts, but French flair and backs to open the game late second half.  France to win by 10 points or more.

Can the Pumas overcome the French on home soil? Post a comment below or submit an article to Sportingo.